Green Flag Award
Grange Farm Centre Trust Celebrates Prestigious Green Flag Award
Grange Farm Centre Trust is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, officially recognising it as one of the country's best-managed parks and green spaces.
The internationally recognised Green Flag Award, managed by Keep Britain Tidy, is the benchmark for excellence in the management of parks and green spaces across the United Kingdom. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the scheme, with a record number of sites achieving the coveted accolade.
The award is a testament to the dedication, passion and hard work of the Grange Farm team, whose commitment has ensured the site is maintained to the highest standards for visitors, volunteers and the wider community to enjoy.
To achieve Green Flag status, Grange Farm underwent a rigorous independent assessment against a wide range of criteria, including environmental management, biodiversity, conservation, cleanliness, accessibility, sustainability, safety, community involvement and the overall visitor experience. Judges praised the quality of management and the commitment to creating a welcoming, safe and environmentally rich green space for everyone.
Trevor Johnson, Chairman of Grange Farm Centre Trust, said:
"We are absolutely thrilled to receive this Green Flag Award. It is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the dedication, passion and professionalism of our Trustees, staff and volunteers. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to achieve the exceptionally high standards we now enjoy across the site, and it is wonderful to see those efforts recognised nationally. I couldn't be prouder of the whole team."
Grange Farm has a remarkable history stretching back almost 90 years. The site was purchased in 1938 by the Trustees of the London Parochial Charities to create a camping centre for Londoners seeking the benefits of the countryside. Plans were delayed by the outbreak of the Second World War before construction finally began in 1947.
The campsite was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, in July 1951, with Winston Churchill attending the official opening. During the 1950s and 1960s, Grange Farm became one of the country's best-known camping centres, welcoming thousands of young people and families from London and visitors from across Britain and Europe.
Today, Grange Farm Centre Trust proudly continues that legacy by providing high-quality outdoor recreation, environmental education and community facilities, ensuring the site remains a place where people of all ages can enjoy nature, learn, volunteer and connect with the outdoors. Along with producing top-quality, sports pitches for grassroots football.
Site Manager Rob Draper added:
"After all the hard work we've put in over recent years to achieve the high standards we set ourselves, being recognised with a Green Flag Award is fantastic. This award belongs to everyone who has contributed to Grange Farm's success – our staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters. We are incredibly proud of what we've achieved together and look forward to continuing to improve this wonderful site for future generations."
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said:
"Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it's a practical, preventative solution. Grange Farm Centre Trust has shown what can be achieved when green spaces are properly supported and managed. Congratulations to everyone involved."
The Green Flag Award recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard across the UK and internationally. Awards are presented annually, with successful sites required to meet the demanding standard every year to retain their Green Flag status.
